Jose Cordoba is readying himself for battle inside one of world football's most iconic venues when Panama face Brazil on Sunday evening.
The Norwich City defender has been named in their World Cup squad for this summer, which will pit him against England, Ghana, and Croatia in Group L.
Facing Brazil's Star-Studded Attack
As they step up preparations, Panama have flown to Brazil to face Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded Brazil side at the Maracana, one of the world's most historic and revered football arenas. It will give Cordoba and his team-mates a flavour of what is to come in the weeks ahead.
Cordoba is expected to form part of a defence tasked with halting an attack featuring Neymar, Endrick, Vinicius Junior, and Matheus Cunha. This will prove valuable preparation ahead of facing England captain Harry Kane and Ghana's Antoine Semenyo later this month.
Cordoba's World Cup Dream
The Canaries defender is relishing the opportunity to represent his country at the Maracana ahead of his first ever World Cup. "I think the Maracana is a very big occasion," Cordoba told La Prensa. "It's one of the most important stadiums in Brazil. What player wouldn't want to play there?"
After tonight's clash against Brazil, Panama will face the Dominican Republic on Thursday before their final friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in St. Louis next Saturday.
Cordoba will be a key part of Thomas Christensen's squad, hoping to make history in only their second World Cup appearance. They are hoping to progress to the knock-out stages after exiting in the group stages back in 2018. For more details, visit The Pink'un.